Lt. Governor Tressel Discusses College Credit Plus Expansion at Lorain County Community College Workforce Roundtable
More high school students will be able to earn free college credit to pursue opportunities in advanced manufacturing
 On Monday, Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited Lorain County Community College as part of his work to evaluate the workforce strengths and needs of regions across the state.
(ELYRIA, Ohio)—Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited Lorain County Community College (LCCC) today as part of his ongoing work to evaluate the workforce strengths and needs of regions across the state.
The Lt. Governor joined local education, business, and community leaders for a roundtable discussion, which largely focused on LCCC being among the first schools in Ohio to offer expanded access to College Credit Plus classes through a new Statewide Innovative Waiver.
“With more companies moving to Ohio, we have an incredible amount of job opportunities coming our way – particularly in fields like advanced manufacturing,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “As we continue our efforts to align Ohio’s workforce with the demands of our economy of the future, the expansion of our College Credit Plus program is a valuable opportunity for more students to earn college credit or even industry-recognized credentials at no cost while still in high school. These credits or credentials are things these students can take with them through their entire lives.”
 During his visit, the Lt. Governor hosted a roundtable discussion with local education, business, and community leaders in and around Lorain County. The conversation largely focused on LCCC being among the first schools in Ohio to offer expanded access to College Credit Plus classes through a new Statewide Innovative Waiver.
“While we are expanding eligibility for this life-changing program, we are not changing what it takes for students to earn these credits or credentials. It simply opens the door for more students to get a head start in a field where we know there is a need across our state,” Lt. Governor Tressel continued. “At places like Lorain County Community College, we’re giving students a chance to step into these high-demand careers and play a role in building Ohio’s future.”
Announced by Lt. Governor Tressel earlier this month, the waiver eliminates barriers that previously prevented some high school students from taking part in College Credit Plus – Ohio’s dual enrollment program offering students in grades 7-12 the chance to earn free college credits through courses at Ohio colleges or universities.
The goal of the waiver is to provide more students with pathways to earn an industry-recognized credential or certificate tied to high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
“We know from experience that students who participate in College Credit Plus classes are successful,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey. “We also know Lorain County Community College is one of Ohio’s most qualified colleges when it comes to high-tech training. We are pleased to see them leading the way once again.”
 Lt. Governor Tressel was joined for the roundtable by Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey.
The Statewide Innovative Waiver is available to all public two-year and four-year colleges and universities, as well as independent campuses.
LCCC is among the first schools in Ohio to receive approval to utilize the waiver, along with Columbus State Community College and Sinclair Community College.
“Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and Chancellor Mike Duffey’s visit to LCCC underscores the importance of collaboration in strengthening Ohio’s talent pipeline,” said LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D. “The Statewide Innovative Waiver opens new doors for high school students to explore advanced technologies and earn college credit and industry-recognized credentials. This forward-thinking approach positions Ohio as a national leader in aligning education with workforce needs in fast-growing industries like semiconductors and automation. We are already seeing the success of the waiver in our microelectronic manufacturing program, and we are thrilled to offer these opportunities to even more local students.”
The roundtable discussion included local students from Midview High School in Grafton who are currently studying microelectronic manufacturing at LCCC through College Credit Plus. They discussed the benefits of the waiver and allowing more high school students the opportunity to get a foot in the door to College Credit Plus classes.
At LCCC, 53 courses and five credentials are now accessible through the Statewide Innovative Waiver – including courses and credentials in the college’s Microelectronic Manufacturing Systems (MEMS) program. LCCC offers certificate, associate, and bachelor of applied science degree programs in MEMS.
Also during his visit, Lt. Governor Tressel joined Chancellor Duffey, Dr. Ballinger, and other LCCC officials for a tour of the college’s MEMS Lab.
 Also during his visit, Lt. Governor Tressel joined Chancellor Duffey, Dr. Ballinger, and other LCCC officials for a tour of the college’s Microelectronic Manufacturing Systems (MEMS) Lab.
LCCC’s MEMS program has been able to upgrade its equipment in recent years thanks in part to state funding provided through Super RAPIDS grants. These grants support universities, community colleges, and career technical centers in purchasing state-of-the-art machines for students to use in education and training programs tailored to regional workforce needs.
Between recent rounds of Super RAPIDS and RAPIDS grants, LCCC has received over $3 million in state funding for equipment in several programs, including MEMS, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, cybersecurity, and more.
 LCCC’s MEMS program has been able to upgrade its equipment in recent years thanks in part to state funding provided through Super RAPIDS grants.
Lt. Governor Tressel’s visit to LCCC marks another stop in his ongoing series of regional workforce discussions across the state. Previous events have been held at:
Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, the state has attracted a variety of economic development projects in recent years, which are bringing tens of thousands of new jobs to Ohio. To ensure the state’s workforce is trained and ready to fill these jobs, Governor DeWine announced in his recent State of the State Address that Lt. Governor Tressel would lead the administration’s effort to create Ohio's Workforce Playbook.
By examining the needs and circumstances of Ohio’s various regions, Ohio’s Workforce Playbook will develop a plan to retain existing talent, recruit new talent to Ohio, and rally Ohio’s existing workforce to greater productivity.
 On Monday, Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited Lorain County Community College as part of his work to evaluate the workforce strengths and needs of regions across the state.
Additional Media Contact:
Ohio Department of Higher Education
Jeff Robinson, Director of Communications
614-752-9487
jrobinson@highered.ohio.gov
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